Every Version of Princess Zelda Ranked

“Zelda II: The Adventure of Link” (1988)

Although many versions of Zelda must be rescued, only one of them is asleep for 99% of the game. Long before “Zelda II” takes place, this incarnation’s father ruled over a peaceful Hyrule. Worried his son would use it for personal gain, he hid the Triforce of Courage, placing a spell so that only someone worthy could find it. When the king passed, Zelda’s brother interrogated her about its location and enlisted the help of a wizard, who placed a powerful sleeping curse on her shortly before dying. It’s an interesting set-up, and it was noble of Zelda not to give in to her brother’s questioning. But being asleep the whole game definitely makes her the weakest.

“The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords” (2002)

Strap in, folks, because a lot of our bottom picks are pretty blank slates. As it was included in “A Link to the Past’s” GBA re-release, “Four Swords” is much more basic than most other entries in terms of storytelling. The game opens with Zelda explaining to Link that she’s been sensing something off about the Four Sword, used long ago to seal away a monster named Vaati. Turns out she was right, and Vaati kidnaps her with plans to force her into marriage. Naturally, Link rises to the task and saves her. But that’s essentially all we get from this version of the Princess.

“The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures” (2004)

While “Four Swords” and “Adventures” feature similar gameplay, they take place at completely different ends of the timeline. Yet, their versions of Zelda are extremely similar. Out of fear that Vaati’s seal is weakening, she and the six Shrine Maidens try to open the Four Sword sanctuary to investigate. Unfortunately, they’re all kidnapped by Dark Link, who then tricks regular Link into pulling the Four Sword from its pedestal and releasing Vaati. Here, Zelda is your classic damsel in need of rescue. What earns her some extra points over her GBA counterpart is that she at least gets to use light arrows in the final fight against Ganon.

“The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds” (2013)

While there isn’t much to set this version of Zelda apart from most others, at least she doesn’t get kidnapped immediately. In “A Link Between Worlds,” Princess Zelda is a kind and caring presence, and she takes immediate action when two of her allies are captured by Yuga. It’s her who gives Link the first of three pendants needed to obtain the Master Sword. Of course, she’s still captured, right before Link ventures into Lorule, and she stays gone until the ending. Yet, in one last show of tremendous grace, she uses her own Triforce to restore the one Lorule lost despite Hilda’s actions. So, props for not holding a grudge.

“The Legend of Zelda” (1987)

In the NES original, Zelda doesn’t do anything in-game other than get rescued. All information about her is given in the manual and a very brief opening text crawl. When Ganon attacked Hyrule, she split the Triforce of Wisdom into eight pieces, hiding them throughout the kingdom. She also sent her right-hand woman, Impa, out into the wilderness to search for help, eventually finding Link. Although there’s barely anything we can grasp about Zelda as a character, that’s some next-level quick thinking. She’s still an NES character at the end of the day, but she instantly thought to do the two best things she could’ve done to hinder the villain. Which is more than we can say about some others.

“The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap” (2005)

A handful of “Zelda” games have the princess and Link as childhood friends. “The Minish Cap” is one of them, though she unfortunately still doesn’t get much of a chance to shine. The game opens with her waking Link up so he’ll accompany her to the castle’s festival in honor of the Minish. In just a few short moments, we get to see her as the kid she is, excitedly running between the different stalls to experience everything. She even wins you your first shield! This is a side we don’t often get, as she’s usually still dealing with being a ruler despite her young age. Of course, she’s turned to stone directly after this, so we can’t place her any higher.

“The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” (1992)

Some versions of the princess are captured, and that’s that. But “A Link to the Past” opens on Zelda’s capture before she sends a telepathic message to Link, calling for his aid. Sure, she still needs his help and she gets captured again later. But at least she immediately fights back in her own way. Suck it, Agahnim. This is also the first version of Zelda on our list to appear in more than one game; she appears in the climax of the “Oracle” series if you link your save files. However, it’s only to get kidnapped in a plot to resurrect Ganon. But hey, at least her life is a little more interesting to players because of it.

“The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess” (2006)

In most cases, Zelda is kind, warm, and immensely caring for her people. The version of her in “Twilight Princess” still holds those qualities, but you can tell the crown sits more heavily on her head. Inside of a darker plot, it’s interesting to get a Zelda who gives up her freedom for the betterment of her citizens. While one could still consider her a damsel, we more consider her an invader’s wartime captive, held to ensure her kingdom doesn’t act out. Not for nothing, but she later gives up her safety once again to save Midna’s life. Unfortunately, she’s still not in the game much, but at least she’s free at the end to help you fight Ganondorf.

“The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks” (2009)

In nearly every game in the series, Link and Zelda are kept separate from each other, whether she’s off somewhere else or, more likely, kidnapped. The exception is “Spirit Tracks.” Here, Zelda is betrayed by her advisor, Chancellor Cole, who removes Zelda’s spirit in hopes of using her body to resurrect an ancient demon. Her spirit travels with Link as this game’s companion, with the ability to possess the otherwise annoying Phantom enemies. This helpful perk, along with her playing a more defined role in the narrative, make her one of the deepest incarnations. Sadly, Nintendo also made her extremely afraid of rats, which is all kinds of lame.

“The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” (2017)

Although she can be a bit overly posh, the newest incarnation of Zelda is one the strongest the series has ever seen. Instead of being held captive in a castle, she’s been holding Calamity Ganon back for an entire century. That magical prowess is already enough for her to place high, but Nintendo did a great job doling out small character moments through Link’s flashbacks. They paint the picture of someone unsure of their capabilities and plagued by self doubt. Her struggles to prepare made us sympathize with her, as did a heartbreaking moment where she took blame for so much life lost. As of writing, “Tears of the Kingdom” isn’t out, so it’s possible she could climb even higher.

“The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker” (2003)

Man, Tetra is cool. From the first moment she sassed Link, she instantly became a character we craved more of. She was tough enough to lead a group of adult pirates, and confident enough to pull everyone in with her charm. Never before, nor since, have we gotten a Zelda with this much swagger. It’s just a shame that, as soon as she’s revealed to be Zelda, she’s completely sidelined until she’s in need of rescuing at the end. Still, she fights Ganondorf alongside Link, and ventures off with him to one-day co-found New Hyrule seen in “Spirit Tracks.” But before that discovery, she’d appear again in “Phantom Hourglass”... where she’s instantly captured and turned to stone. Come on, Nintendo.

“The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” (1998)

Before the series moved to 3D, Zelda as a character was pretty one-note. But “Ocarina” completely redefined her in every way for the better. When Link first meets her, it’s clear she’s filled with wonder and whimsy, yet understands the encroaching darkness of Ganondorf. It’s quite the balance for a child to have, especially in a Nintendo game. But as an adult, she’s even stronger. She spends the majority of the game disguised as Sheik, using her training from Impa to help Link on his quest rather than require it from him. The Hero of Time would’ve been absolutely lost without her, and it’s usually the other way around. She still does get captured, but only at the end after she loses the disguise.

“The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword” (2011)

Of the many versions of Zelda we’ve gotten, none have made as much of an impact on us as the one in “Skyward Sword.” Her dynamic with Link is the strongest it’s ever been as they grew up together and have noticeable crushes on one another. In the game’s opening moments, her feelings for Link show in how protective she is as well as how bubbly she gets around him. Additionally, she goes on her own journey of discovery while Link goes on his. And, being the chronological first, it’s revealed she’s the Goddess Hylia reborn in mortal form. Her feelings and desires are derailed by her destiny, yet she never falters in doing what is right. There are so many strong qualities within her, it makes her impossible not to love.